Western Montana’s Blackfoot-Clearwater Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is a popular destination for antler hunters when it opens for the season annually at noon on May 15.
Last year, FWP made an adjustment to how vehicles entered the WMA on opening day to address safety concerns associated with congestion along Highway 83 on the WMA’s west side.
In 2024, for the first time, antler hunters that wanted to enter the WMA by vehicle at noon, registered and were assigned a number and then entered through the east side, just off Woodworth Road.
The process will be similar for the 2025 opener, but with a few adjustments based on public feedback and what we learned last year.
Just like last year, instead of staging vehicles along Hwy 83, those planning to access the WMA by vehicle when it opens at noon on May 15 should register here beginning Tuesday, April 1 (noon) through Saturday, April 19 (midnight), 2025. Entry is not limited, and the registration list will be randomized to assign numbers, so there is not a rush to register during this timeframe. Entry order will be emailed to registrants the week of April 28.
Those that miss this registration deadline but still want to drive in at noon will enter behind all those that registered. There is no limit to the number of vehicles than can enter the WMA.
We’ve made a few adjustments for the 2025 opener, but the overall process is similar to 2024.
Numbers and arrival times
This year, actual numbers will only be assigned to vehicles 1-250. Vehicle line-up (beginning with the front of the line) will begin around 9 a.m., and registrants will be given a window of time to arrive, based on their number.
For those that draw a number above 250, you will just be assigned a “250+” place in line (not an actual number) and asked to arrive in a group around 11 a.m. At that time, we will begin to tighten up the front of the line, and you will enter right behind the first group.
Registering for your group + traveling together
Only one person per vehicle should register for the group that will be in that vehicle. The entire group should arrive together in one vehicle at their assigned time. This helps with the vehicle lineup and minimizes the need for places for extra vehicle parking.
We know that sometimes circumstances require a bit of flexibility, so we will accommodate some later arrivals and extra vehicle parking for those that need to join a group, but this will be more limited this year.
Anyone arriving after 10:30 a.m. will not be allowed to park a vehicle and join a group already in line and must instead enter with the last group of vehicles.
The east entrance is the only spot for vehicle entry beginning at noon. Other WMA entrances that allow vehicles to enter will open at 2 p.m., and no registration is required for that entry. Electric bikes and off-highway vehicles are treated just the same as other vehicles for entry and travel regulations.
Walk, bike-in (not electric), and horse access will be available from designated parking areas on the west side of the WMA, off Hwy 83, beginning at noon, with no registration required. Other WMA entrances are also open to walk, bike-in, and horse access beginning at noon.
Maps coming soon
Anyone 12 and older always need to have a conservation license to enter a WMA. If you have a hunting or fishing license, you already automatically have your conservation license, and if not, you can buy online, at an FWP or at any license provider.
For more information, contact:
Vivaca Crowser
FWP regional communication and education manager
406-542-5518
vcrowser@mt.gov